Rape accused remanded for escaping police custody

A 34-year-old taxi driver was on Wednesday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for escaping from police custody.

Thurston Semple of Tucville, Georgetown is accused of escaping from the Agricola Police Outpost, East Bank Demerara on August 31, 2017 while in custody for rape and robbery.

Semple denied the charge while his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva made an application for his client to be released on reasonable bail. Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves told the court that in the wee hours of August 31, Semple managed to pick his handcuff and ran out of the station, after pushing down a female police officer who attempted to stop him. He was subsequently caught and rearrested a few hours after.

Gonsalves further told the court that the file involving the rape and robbery matter was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the police are waiting on advice on the way forward.

The Magistrate remanded Semple until September 13, 2017 and transferred the matter to City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.